Lesser Silver Water Beetle vs Redcoat Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Silver Water Beetle | Redcoat Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hydrochara flavipes | Xanthocnemis zealandica |
| Order | Coleoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Hydrophilidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 28-36 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Scavengers | Omnivores |
| Regions | East Asia | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Lesser Silver Water Beetle
A medium-sized water scavenger beetle found in still waters across East Asia. Its legs have distinctive yellowish tarsi.
Did You Know?
It is commonly encountered in rice paddies where it helps break down organic matter in the flooded fields.
Redcoat Damselfly
A small endemic damselfly found throughout New Zealand, named for the bright red body of the male. It is one of the most abundant odonates in New Zealand and frequents still or slow-moving water bodies. Females are typically greenish-brown.
Did You Know?
Male redcoat damselflies will guard their mate by remaining attached in tandem while she lays eggs, preventing other males from mating with her.